A Single Man

A Single Man is the directorial debut of renowned American clothing designer Tom Ford, who takes Christopher Isherwood's revered novel and fashions a truly impressive and moving film from its melancholy pages. Keenly focused on literature professor George Falconer (Colin Firth), the movie follows the dapper British expatriate as he struggles to deal with the sudden loss of his beloved younger partner, Jim (Matthew Goode). While most of the film is set during one California day in 1962, it frequently flashes back to moments of the long-term couple together, providing glimpses of George in happier times. Attempting to help him cope are Charley (Julianne Moore), George's feisty friend from his London days, and Kenny (Nicholas Hoult), a persistent student eager to know what makes his sullen teacher tick. Though A Single Man's supporting performances are uniformly excellent, Firth is a real revelation; channeling his knack for playing uptight gentlemen in much more nuanced way, the handsome actor subtly reveals layer upon layer of emotion, making George empathetic and fascinating in every scene. Firth's outstanding (and deservedly Oscar-nominated) turn is fittingly matched by Ford's meticulous direction and sterling period design, courtesy of Mad Men's Dan Bishop. A gorgeous—and, yes, stylish—meditation on heartbreak and death, A Single Man is equally exceptional for its disarming embrace of life.